James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, declared himself King of England at an assembly in Bridgwater, igniting the Monmouth Rebellion against his uncle, King James II. As the illegitimate son of Charles II, Monmouth had a claim to the throne, which he hoped to leverage amid a period of political unrest. The backdrop of his declaration was marked by widespread discontent regarding James II's Catholic policies and a fear of absolutist governance. Bridgwater, located in Somerset, became a focal point for Monmouth's cause, drawing supporters from local gentry and commoners alike, who felt disenfranchised by the current regime.

Monmouth's declaration was not merely ceremonial; it was a rallying call that aimed to galvanize the populace against the perceived tyranny of James II. As news spread of his claim, Monmouth's forces began to gather in earnest, signaling the start of armed conflict. His charisma and support from various factions, including protestants who disdained James II's Catholicism, fostered a sense of hope among his followers. However, the situation was precarious, and while there was initial momentum, the actual path to dethroning James II was fraught with challenges.

The momentum provided by Monmouth’s proclamation ultimately led to battles such as the Battle of Sedgemoor, where the rebellion saw fierce confrontation. Despite early successes, Monmouth's forces were unable to sustain their campaign, leading to his eventual defeat and execution. His declaration, however, underscored the deep-seated tensions within England at the time and contributed to the ongoing discourse surrounding monarchy and governance in the late 17th century.